Sunday, August 30, 2015

Weekly Wrap #4

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com
Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

This is a weekly linkup hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your weekly adventures.  You are encouraged to include anything you did to be active or anything you considered fun.  We want to know how you amazing women accomplish it all.  You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  See rules here.



Monday was my typical rest day and transitioning back into work mode, which is always challenging.  Tuesday I ran an easy 5 miles.  I was happy to feel no repercussions from last Sunday's 19 mile run.  The exciting news was the dew point had dropped and it was so unexpectedly pleasant.  It brought tears of joy to my eyes.  Seriously.

Because I had a 7 mile virtual race planned for Friday, I ditched the 8 mile pace run on Wednesday's schedule.  Instead, I ran what I thought was a 6 mile progression run.  When I checked my stats it ended up being pretty steady in the middle:  10:21, 9:44, 9:20, 9:24, 9:26, and 8:57.  Again the weather was incredible, but I felt a little tired starting out.  I was pleased that the last uphill mile was the fastest!

Thursday was another rest day.  I left work early to pick my sister up at the airport.  We floated around in the pool and chatted for a couple of hours because we had a lot of catching up to do.

Friday I ran the Sole Sister Virtual 7 Mile Race.  (My sister waited until Sunday.)  The weather had moderated back to it's usual swampiness but a little breeze helped.  Again, although this run felt progressive, it was steady in the middle:  9:53, 9:44, 9:19, 9:20, 9:23, 9:26, 8:54.   I did not push to my limits because #1) It was too hot and muggy 2) I'm getting close to the marathon now and don't want to do anything to screw that up and #3) I need the Rah Rah of a real race!  We spent the remainder of the day on a road trip to visit family.

The whole family was pumped to go to the lake, even Mojo.

Saturday morning dawned dreary.  We took the dogs on an hour walk and decided we would chance it and head to the lake.  We were able to do some tubing and I got one long ski run in before we were forced to stop just minutes before a storm hit.  While we were waiting it out, we made up a game to entertain my grandson using a bag of M&Ms.  He can't say M&Ms very well and kept saying he wanted to play The Enema Game.  After an hour of waiting, we decided to come home and PoPo grilled burgers while the kids swam.  Thankfully, the storm had already passed our house.

Very ominous skies!


Sunday dawned with overcast skies.  I ran my 13 miles (a cut-back week) while my sister ran her Sole Sister Virtual 7 Miler.  It was incredibly steamy and I was grateful for the shorter mileage. We put our tanks on for a commemorative photo.  The weather cleared and we spent time being lazy in the pool...lots of it.



In review, I ran 31 miles for my cut-back week.  That gives me a total of 144 miles for August.  I really appreciate the two runs in more pleasant weather and hope to have more soon.  This next week will include a 20+ mile long run.  Yikes.


Tell me something about your week!

Have you participated in a virtual run?

And we'd love you to also WRAP IT UP WITH US.






Thursday, August 27, 2015

Runfessions (August)

I runfess...

Our dew point dropped this week.  On Tuesday, the moisture content was 10 points less than our normal summer Swamp Fest.  While on my run, my iPhone shuffled onto the Boston Pops version of "Sleigh Ride" which always makes my heart sing.

While my heart was getting happy, I started thinking about how I had just run 19 miles in the HHH (hellacious heat & humidity) and had come out on the other side unscathed.  Wow!  And, now how the air felt SO GOOD.  I knew it's wasn't going to stay that way, but I was so appreciative of the reprieve and the glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel...I cried.   

I had to have a serious talk with myself.  Get it together, Ho!  Put your heart strings away.  You know it's hard to run and cry!  And you certainly can't let this glorious air go to waste!


Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling, Ring-Ting-Tingling Too....




I runfess...

I've never participated in a virtual race.  I've always felt it would be quite lackluster to run without the buzzing environment of an actual race.  Yes, I require Rah Rah.  It was so irritating to scroll through the zillions of virtual races on Active.com in order to find an actual race that I stopped using it.  Ugh.  Who cares about those?

Well...in a moment of weakness, I caved.  I saw the Sole Sister Run highlighted on a couple of blogs and realized my sister would be visiting on those dates.  We will line up at an invisible start, be cheered by non-existent spectators, cross a finish line probably marked by a pine cone, and partake in pathetic post race fare.  (I hear the race director is a slacker.  Ha!)  I'll let you know how it goes.



Do you have anything you need to Runfess?

I'm linking up with Marcia today from Marcia's Healthy Slice
Please stop by and join in with your Runfessions!



Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Being Ambitious






When I saw this week's Wednesday Word, I kept thinking of the phrase I heard a lot in my youth: 

Don't bite off more than you can chew.
  
I don't think being ambitious is a bad thing.  It's how we reach new goals.  But, let's say we are a little too ambitious and we take on too much.   What horrible things happen to us when we take a bite that is too big?  Do we choke?  Do we break our teeth?  Do we never go into the kitchen again?  Do we give up food entirely? 
 
No!  

We spit out that bite and take a smaller one.  

It might cause some embarrassment, but we get rid of it.  We then cut the food into more manageable pieces and try another bite.  It's possible we may have to chew very slowly.  We may be still sitting at the table long after everyone else is finished.  But, we take another bite and yet another until we've completed our meal...until we've reached our goal.   

Being ambitious doesn't mean we will always enjoy the food, however.  If we've put a good effort into eating a few bites but simply can't tolerate the taste, we should prepare something else.  It's up to us to revise our recipe.  And, it's OK to ask for help from a more experience cook.  Just because we made it doesn't mean we have to finish it.  We need to recognize it wasn't what we wanted and start again.


Do you ever use this phrase?
 


I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!




 

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Weekly Wrap #3

http://hohoruns.blogspot.comWelcome to the third Weekly Wrap!

This is a new weekly linkup hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your weekly adventures.  You are encouraged to include anything you did to be active or anything you considered fun.  We want to know how you amazing women accomplish it all.  You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  See rules here.




http://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/fall-into-fitness.html
CLICK TO ADD YOUR BLOG!
I'm excited to be co-hosting the Fall Into Fitness giveaway hop with my friend and fellow blogger Runaway Bridal Planner.  Giveaway hops are great opportunities to network with other bloggers having similar interests and a fun way to grow your own blog.  If my followers enter your giveaway and your followers enter my giveaway and so on, you can imagine the extra traffic to your blog.  The potential to gain new followers is definitely there!

The participants link is open until September 11th.  Just click on the badge and add your blog name.  You will receive instructions a little later about adding the hop link to your giveaway post.  The giveaway hop runs from September 14th-20th.  Readers will enter one giveaway and then work down the list of participants by hopping from blog to blog.  The more bloggers that participate, the more chances for bloggers and readers to win!


On to the weekly wrap...

Monday was the typical rest day.  However, I did walk my dogs for an hour in the evening.  They were thrilled as I've been slacking in this area.  Tuesday's easy 5 miler was the first run of my week.  I'm very disappointed the weather provided no relief all week as Mr. Dew Point hovered at his highest levels.  This was the swampiest week yet.  {Do I say that every week?}

Tuesday night brought heavy thunderstorms and high winds.  I headed out at an extremely dark 5:15 Wednesday morning for an 8 mile medium paced run.  I tripped over the limbs that had fallen in our yard but didn't think anymore about it after reaching the street.  I turned the first corner of my regular route and **wham** ran right through a big limb than had fallen.  Luckily I connected with the twiggy end as opposed to the trunk, otherwise I would have face planted in the street.  It was in a darker section and I was still in my sleepy 1st mile.  {I'm awake now!}  This run ended up being like an obstacle course. 


Thursday was a complete rest day and Friday brought another 5 mile easy effort run.  The conditions were extra swampy.  See the fog?  I also worked Friday evening on my landscaping, which has been sorely neglected of late.  It's great exercise but also required a cooling dip in the pool.  Friday was just an incredibly steamy day.





Saturday was my official cross training day, which means...water skiing!  Whoot!  It was a beautiful day at the lake.  I made 4 ski runs and finally remembered to take my GoPro.  I attached it to my vest.  If you have a little time, look at this clip.  This is what I see when I ski.  I provided a little narration as well.  Warning: southern drawl ahead!  Ha Ha.  (I apologize for the extra minutes of blackness.  GoPro Studios is tricky to use.)  We ate at our favorite oyster bar on the way home.  A fantastic day!




On the training plan I really don't follow, there were 18 miles scheduled for Sunday's long run.  I ran 19 instead, just because.  Mr. Dew Point was still acting out but once the sun came up, the air stirred and provided the tiniest bit of relief.   My old body held up admirably:  no pain, no cramps, no chafing, etc.  However, I felt nauseous after returning home.  Could it have been from the Oysters Rockefeller and two extra Margaritas?  Probably.  I admit, I was a slug for the remainder of the day.

In review, I ran a total of 37 miles.  My long run definitely felt better compared to last week.  Tricia and I often joke that we go to work on Mondays to get some much needed rest.  That is definitely the sentiment right now.  I fully intend to enjoy my scheduled cut-back week!   

And, that's a wrap!


Tell me something about your week!

What are you training for?

And we'd love you to also WRAP IT UP WITH US.




Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Change Your Focus






The opening generalization....

If we use the same lens over and over, we get the same picture.  Some people are quite happy and comfortable that way as change is inherently difficult for most people.  And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  But if you want something different, you'll have to change the lens.   The lens that will produce the desired result may be difficult to find.  It will take hard work.  It will require focus.


The application to running...

Maybe your desire is to be come a faster runner.  Perhaps a new distance is what you seek.  Could it be you like to travel and want to run in all 50 states?  If you have a crystal clear vision, the achievement is easily in your sights.  Unfortunately, we are so overloaded with constant information.  THE NOISE.  The Buzz.  The Social Media.  Some of that noise could include others with different perceptions.  What other people do or say may cloud your focus.  Keep your mind clear of this clutter.  Only focus on yourself and your goal.  It helps to envision the end result.  Can you see yourself crossing the finish line?  If not, makes adjustments.  Sharpen your view.



My current focus...

After focusing on the half marathon distance for a number of years, running was starting to look a little blurry.  I needed clarity.  Should I try to keep doing a certain number of halves every year?    No, I eventually decided.  It was time for me to change the lens.  I am now envisioning my upcoming marathon finishes.   Running looks bright again.  Will I stay at this distance?  I don't know!  That's the wonderful thing...we have the right and privilege of changing that lens anytime we see fit.


What is your current focus?



I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!















Sunday, August 16, 2015

Weekly Wrap #2

Welcome to the second ever Weekly Wrap!

This is a new weekly linkup hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  We want to hear about your weekly adventures.  You are encouraged to include anything you did to be active or anything you considered fun.  We want to hear everything and how you amazing women accomplish it all.  You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  See rules here.


http://hohoruns.blogspot.com



Monday started with the typical rest day.  I don't even remember Tuesday's 4 mile easy run.  I guess this means it was a typical run.  I do remember Wednesday's however.  Holy Moly.  I had the worst side cramp during this 4 mile run (which was supposed to be 5).   If I get any type of pain, it is usually the I-need-to-burp-really-bad pain in my shoulder. This was very low, very painful and therefore quite strange.

I saved my longer 8 mile pace run for Thursday thinking the weather would be a bit better.  It wasn't.  My side tried to cramp again but never became as painful as the day before.   Unfortunately, my pace was slower than last week's.  I also stopped a mile short when I realized I wasn't going to make it to work on time.  Friday was another rest day.

So far, this summer has been spent water skiing on Saturdays and running long on Sundays.  Due to a baby sitting commitment, I ran 17 miles on Saturday morning and skipped water skiing altogether.  There was no official cross training this week, unless babysitting qualifies -- and I believe it might!  Having a 5 month old 16 pounder on your hip is tough stuff.  How quickly we forget!


During my long run, I decided I was going to keep this post positive.  I would not blog about how bad it is to run in the heat and humidity.

Mmm  .....  Argh  .....  That's very hard to do!

I know I sound like a broken record.  I live in this climate. I should get over it already!  In full disclosure, my pace was actually worse than what is shown.  This didn't take into consideration the few times I stopped,  put my hands on my knees, and had those internal tantrums and soul searching conversations.  Here's a little fact to illustrate the tough conditions:  I drank about 96 ounces of fluid and still lost over 4 pounds.



As promised to myself, here is my list of positives:
  • I earned another Personal Distance Record, beating my previous of 16 miles.
  • I had no chafing or blistering thanks to Trail Toes.
  • I had no cramping anywhere.  This was truly amazing as foot cramping is usually a given.  Saltstick works.
  • I earned a Trail Shoe Badge from Fitbit for taking 35,000 steps.
  • I've now selected by marathon bra and socks. 
  • I was not struck by lightning, bitten by a dog, or stung by a bee (even though one was riding on my Camelbak).
  • Nothing hurt.
  • I kept going.

And the Big One for THE WIN...
  • I cannot tell I ran 17 miles.    Woot, woot!



It's not often we are asked to babysit our grandkids and we had a lot of fun.  Our grandson stayed in the pool all weekend with our teens.  After they were picked up on Sunday, this butterfly and I (see it on my toe?) floated around a few hours.  I'm not sure if she was tired from babysitting too or just drawn to my purple polish.  There may have been some napping involved.



In review, I ran a total of 32 miles but certainly didn't have the best week of training.  I'm worried now because there are not many opportunities left to run extra long mileage before the Chicago Marathon.  I would feel so much better to be able to have couple of solid 18, 20, or even 22 mile runs under my belt.  But, it may not be realistic in this weather.  However, the race will go on and I will still run it.

And, that's a wrap!

Is anyone else worried about their training?
Tell me something about your week!

And we'd love you to also WRAP IT UP WITH US.




Friday, August 14, 2015

That Time of the Month (August)


http://hohoruns.blogspot.comIt's That Time of the Month!  

Are you... 

Annoyed?   
Irritated?    
Ticked Off?    
At Your Wit's End?

I'm co-hosting this monthly link up with my good friend Wendy @ Taking The Long Way Home.   (Please follow Wendy's journey as she trains to BQ at the Chicago Marathon!)  This link gives you an opportunity to air your grievances!  Get those annoying things off your chest.  We hope you will join us.  The link up will stay open for a week.  You still have plenty of time to join in!  (See rules here.)



It's Annoying...

As you may know I mostly run in my neighborhood, which in itself provides quite a few annoyances.  But today, I'll focus on some of the odd things I've seen in the streets.  I passed by Coat Hanger House for about a year.  No lie.  I know they took their garbage out to the curb twice a week.  They didn't see the coat hanger?  What, pray tell, made them bend over after that length of time to pick it up?  By that point it was a permanent fixture, like a fountain or statue.  Same deal for Toilet Brush House (eww!).  And, I can't forget about my current favorite Oversized Q-Tip House.  That thing (whatever it really is) is less than 2 feet away from their mailbox.  Exactly who do they expect to pick that up?  I truly appreciate that Dead Snake House removes their items fairly quickly. 

It's Annoying...

I don't like to be up-sold.  You know what?  If I need something I'll ask about it!  There are certain places I expect to be hit...vitamin shop, restaurant, makeup counter, even the dude that comes by our office to wash cars {hey--you need a wax job today!}.  But, up-selling at the eye doctor?  Stop right there!  I've come in for my yearly checkup.  You've already told me everything was great.  But now I have to hear you blabber on about supplements, blue lenses, tear duct plugs, dry eye remedies, and special sunglasses.  No, just no.

It's Annoying...

On an easy short run this week, I was graced with a side stitch from H E double L.  I could not relieve it no matter what I tried.  I usually don't get these.  Normally any pain I might have is located in my shoulder (because I need to burp forcefully and loudly -- keeping it real).  This was low in my abdomen and very painful.  I ate the typical half a yogurt before my run.  No clue.  It was frustrating and annoying.





It's Annoying...

Well---after avoiding the grocery store on Wednesdays like the plague for years, I've finally accepted the fact they are going to give me the senior discount whether I deserve it or not.  {Heavy Sigh}  Ms. Checker began hurting my feelings in my mid 40s (did I really look 15 years older then?), so I've decided I'm going to embrace it.  I'm closer to the correct age now anyway.  Apparently the fact that my brain, spirit, heart and soul all think I'm 33 is not evident to Ms. Checker.  {Heavy Sigh}  Yep, I'm going in now on Wednesdays...ON PURPOSE.  A 5% savings adds up in my can't-get-enough-to-eat-teenage-boys world.  Now, watch her card me!




Tell me, what's annoying you?

 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Take The Initiative





I like to think I'm a make-it-happen kind of gal when it comes to most things.


COLLEGE

Life kind of happened before I could figure out where I was going.  It wasn't until later that I took the initiative to get my college education.  I supposed nobody was going to give it to me.  Could I be a young wife and mother, work full time and go to college full time?  I could!  I did!  I went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude.

MORE CHILDREN

My doctor still laughs about how she knows better than to tell me I can't do something.  She figured out I will do my best to prove you wrong.  (She swears she is putting me in her book of memoirs.)  I took the initiative to find out why I wasn't having successful pregnancies and if I could be fixed.  This required time, procedures, and multiple surgeries to diagnose and then correct the problem.  With the help of an amazing and persistent doctor, it finally worked!  We were blessed with two more kids, only two years apart, in my mid thirties.  Wow.  That was a crazy time.

COMPANY WOES

When one door closes, you pry the window open yourself.  After getting the news my division was closing, I took the initiative to start it over, from scratch, with another parent company!  Huh, and when that institution decided to close it 5 years later, I did it again with a private investor.  It is now more successful than it's ever been.  Take that, corporate decision makers.

HALF MARATHON

I was running mostly on the treadmill with an occasional outdoor weekend run with the dog.  But, I wanted something more.  I was intrigued by the endurance required of a long distance run.  I did not know one runner, except for my sister living way across the country.  Although there would be nobody nearby to advise and encourage me,  I took the initiative and registered for a half marathon.  There was a lot of hard work and plenty of trial and error.  (I laugh when I think of the bananas and granola bars I took to the park because I read somewhere I should refuel.  Ha Ha.)  It paid off and I was rewarded with one of the best days ever!

MARATHON

After 36 half marathons, it was (is) time to prove to myself I could run a marathon!  I took the initiative and signed up for the full.  And with a confusion of circumstances, I signed up for another one.  This story to be continued...



No, I can't say that I take the bull by the horns in everything single thing that I do.  Being completely honest -- when fatigue sets in, I tend to be a quite a bit less make-it-happen and wish someone else would do it for me.  And then something very important or interesting comes along and I once again realize... It Will Not Happen Unless You Make It Happen!


Do you always make it happen?

Give me some examples of initiative in your life!


I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!









 

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Weekly Wrap #1

Welcome to the first ever Weekly Wrap!

This is a new weekly linkup hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  We want to hear about your weekly adventures.  You are encouraged to include anything you did to be active or anything you considered fun.  We want to hear everything and how you amazing women accomplish it all.  You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  See rules here.

WRAP IT UP WITH US! 
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com


Monday is a typical rest day and therefore my first run of the week was not until Tuesday morning.  We were blessed with a slightly lower dew point so I decided to change things up and run my race pace run instead of an easy one.  It was still 75 degrees, but only 84% humidity...a colossal improvement.  I ran 7 miles at a 9:21 average pace.  That's better than it has been and I was pleased.  As the temperature and humidity decrease at some point in the future, I pray that number becomes lower.

Wednesday was another rest day.  I ran 4 miles on Thursday and 5 miles on Friday.  These were easy pace runs and nothing significant to report other than I saw another snake Friday.  It is the 4th one this summer.  Three of the snakes have been within a few yards of one another.  {I wonder what's going on in that house?}  The only other thing of note was that the humidity was almost unbearable on Thursday.  And so it goes...



I usually don't share recipes but I thought I'd share this for anyone who is anti mayonnaise like we are.  PoPo had a horrible experience as a child and I never liked the smell or the taste.  Did you know you can substitute mayo with ranch dressing in most recipes?  This is my tuna salad made with white albacore tuna, red grapes, sweet pickle relish and just enough lite ranch dressing to stick it together.  Crisp apple chunks also work well, in lieu of grapes.  If you are not into mayo, you should try it.  If you make a sandwich, add a slice of cheddar cheese.  It's delicious!  Funny, Deviled Eggs are the most requested item for family functions...made with ranch dressing.



Saturday was the typical lake day.  We got a late start but since it was just PoPo and me, I was able to ski 2 solid hours, with two much needed rest breaks.  It had me wishing I was 20 years younger as the conditions were ideal.  IDEAL.  There was just a slight chop to the water.  If the water is glassy, it's too slick for my particular ski.  My weekly cross training was enjoyed excessively.  Oh yeah, Mexican food and Margaritas were consumed on the way home.  Ole' !!

It's all about the size of your spray!


This was a cut-back week on the training plan I don't follow.  Because the humidity levels had returned to the extreme, I was glad to only plan for 12 miles.  I try not to sugarcoat anything, so let me just admit it was a Dig Deep {Why-Am-I-Doing-This-Again?} Day.   I kept reminding myself about last Sunday's good 16 miler and Tuesday's much improved pace run.  They will not all be filled with butterfly kisses and roses.  It was executed:  One.Step.At.A.Time.

I kicked around in the pool Sunday afternoon which truly seems to help my cranky hips and keep my legs from getting sore after a long run.  The teens start school on Thursday (!!).  So you know what I'll be doing Thursday night...the mountains of necessary paperwork.  Next weekend, 18 miles is on the long run schedule.  Yikes.  Please Mr. Dew Point, be kind.

And, that's a wrap!


Is anyone else NOT a fan of mayo?

Tell me something about your week!

And we'd love you to also WRAP IT UP WITH US.





Thursday, August 6, 2015

Day in Life

A Day in the Life of a First Time Marathon Trainer

CHICAGO, HERE I COME!


GET UP
  • Wake without alarm between 4:00-4:30 and check weather.  
  • Immediately get anxious over high temp and humidity and toss and turn until time to get up.   
  • Put on clothes laid out night before, eat half a yogurt and drink few sips of Gatorade.  
  • Try to answer your husband politely when he asks for 673rd time, "Didn't you run yesterday?" 
  • Hide a key (because your kids lock you out) and place water bottle in mailbox. 

OUT ON A RUN
  • Sleep during warm-up mile because, you know, it's still dark.  
  • Wake up around mile two and progressively work harder.
  • Wave to other runners and don't forget regular walkers when you pass by neighborhood park.    
  • Try hard not to loop around for water for at least 2.5 miles (this requires running up steep hill).  
  • Think about absolutely nothing. 

BACK AT HOME
  • Save Garmin info, sync Fitbit, and hydrate while creating large puddle on kitchen floor.  
  • Place running shoes on back porch to dry and hang up running clothes so they will not mold.  
  • Take way-way-way-too-long shower.  
  • Eat peach oatmeal with blackberries and milk, pack lunch and get ready for work. 
  • Put easy supper in crock pot. 

AT WORK
  • Obsessively check phone, e-mail, blog, and weather.
  • Work!  Work!  Work!
  • Google anything you think of regarding running, running apparel, running accessories, running shoes, marathon training, pacing strategies, preventing injuries, health, food, travel, etc.
  • Work!  Work!  Work!
  • Obsessively check phone, e-mail, blog, and weather.

HOME AGAIN
  • Finish cooking and eat early supper.  
  • Clean kitchen, complete load of laundry and bark out orders to other family members.  
  • Read blog posts and work on one of your own. 
  • Walk dogs if not too hot, raining, or too dog-gone tired.
  • Foam roll, stretch, watch TV, play Alpha Betty and go to bed. 


Please tell me something exciting about your day -- because obviously mine is not!



I'm linking up with the lovely ladies of the DC Trifecta.
Please visit their blogs and other participating bloggers!


Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC,
Mar from Mar on the Run!.


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Commitment




A COMMITMENT

... takes you on the steepest path
... eliminates the middle of the road
... requires forward movement only
... takes time and hard work
... can cause you to stumble or fall
... will surely test your patience
... may cause you to question yourself
... will seriously test your abilities
... might not be understood by others
... is not intended for instant gratification



A COMMITMENT

...will lead you to your dream





I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!









Monday, August 3, 2015

Randoms Thoughts


Thinking-Out-Loud2


Today I'm linking up with Amanda @ Running With Spoons for Thinking Out Loud.
Please take time to visit Amanda and the other bloggers linked up on her site.



As you may know, I run in my neighborhood or on the quiet rural road behind it.  I'm always amused by what I see lying in the street.  For example, a yellow Easter Peep stayed in the same exact spot for months.  It didn't melt, it didn't disintegrate in the rain, ants didn't eat it and obviously every dog in the neighborhood turned their nose up at it.  It begs the question, is it really food?  I admit, I missed it after it was gone.

And then there was that mini Snickers dropped by a trick-or-treater.  It stayed in it's wrapper for weeks, untouched by car tires.  I have to admit, that one was tempting.  I resisted.


So, I just ran my longest run ever {Happy Dance #1}.  I ran 16 miles Sunday as part of my training for the Chicago Marathon.  I was a little worried about being in my own head for that long...or just getting bored.  Honestly, I don't remember what I thought about and it went quickly.  I guess I was tuned into my music and focused on putting one foot in front of the other.


I tried to stick to a flat route.  Since I already had to battle heat and humidity, I certainly didn't want to run hills.  But when I finished, Fitbit awarded me with a Ferris Wheel badge for climbing 75 floors in one day.  So much for the flat route!

I look forward to beating that personal distance record 4 or 5 more times as I continue training.  One thing I'm going to enjoy about my first marathon is that I will receive an automatic PR.  I guess I'll have to work a little harder for the second one.

I ran 113 miles in July, my highest month so far this year.  {Happy Dance #2}.  It was a month of no races, just like June.  I'm still OK with that.  Last summer, a running buddy and I traveled almost every Saturday morning if we could find a race within 100 miles.  I don't want to spend that much time in the car this year.  The local races will begin again soon.  I'll be there!


What is rattling around in your brain today?

Do you see amusing things when you run?

What do you think about on a long run?




I'm joining the Tuesdays on the Run link up! 

Thanks to our hosts:
 Ericka @ MCM Mama Runs,
 Patty @ My no-guilt life!







Saturday, August 1, 2015

Coffee Talk (August)

One teen recently visited the Space Center
It's Saturday morning.  Let's settle in, have coffee and chat for a while!


Over Coffee...

I'd tell you how my teens will be back in school in less than two weeks.  Yes, mid August -- that just doesn't seem right.  In fact, they begin on a Thursday.  Who does that?  Most Moms probably like it when school starts each year.  Not me.  I lose my servants precious willing helpers.  No more sending texts of chores to complete while they are lounging at home.

I always dread the first night of school too.  All that paperwork you have to fill out...again.  It's the same info year after year.  Why isn't this information stored in the school's computer? 




Over Coffee...

You'd hear how my iPod Shuffle has become unreliable.  I think it's the 3rd one I've worn out.  I'm not complaining. With the wear, tear and sweat I put those things through it's hard to believe they last as long as they do.  But it forces me to run with my phone for music.  This week, I experimented with a running belt to hold my phone.  Also, I need extra space for carrying items on long training runs or in races and had wanted to try a belt.

I wore the Go Belt made by Hippie Runner.  It is adjustable and buckles like a SpiBelt.  The belt is lightweight and comes in fun colors and prints.  It has two expandable zipper pockets and outside loops for gels, etc.  The largest phone will easily fit.  Unfortunately, I have hips...and they aren't narrow.  The belt will not stay on my not-narrow hips.  I tried it under my shirt, I tried it over my shirt.  I will say it was better on the day I wore a shirt with texture, where the material wasn't as slick.  But you end up constantly adjusting it.  I'm wondering, does anybody use one with success?  Or maybe after I while, you get used to it?


Over Coffee...

I'd tell you how I heard the best quote this week, one I intend to remember and use.  I had stopped in Walmart (I know!) and was checking out at the Garden Center.  The cashier was returning from the greenhouse and said "Lawdy, it's so hot out there even my eyelids is a sweatin'.  Amen, Sista. I couldn't have said it better.


What would you tell me over coffee? 




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